Pelicans' Alvarado returning vs. Wizards after 23-game absence

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado will return to the lineup Friday against the Washington Wizards after missing 23 games due to a hamstring strain, he announced Thursday.

"I'll be playing tomorrow for sure," Alvarado told The Athletic's Will Guillory. "No doubt. ... I finally get to be Jose again."

Alvarado is the latest Pelicans player to return from injury. CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, Dejounte Murray, and Jordan Hawkins are all healthy after missing time earlier this season.

However, Zion Williamson remains out with a hamstring strain, and forward Brandon Ingram is still recovering from a high-grade low ankle sprain.

Alvarado, 26, is averaging a career-high 10.7 points across 11 games this season. He's also recording 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals on a career-best 40% from three.

The Pelicans sit last in the NBA at 5-29. They're currently on an 11-game losing streak.